Hearing Loss

What Is It?

Most people experience natural hearing loss as they age. Genetic factors and lifetime exposure to loud noises can cause hearing to worsen over time. Some people might notice that they are losing their hearing, but for others, hearing loss is more subtle. Hearing loss can also occur as a result of a medical problem. Chronic ear infections and sudden injuries can cause a person to permanently or temporarily lose their hearing. You may notice that you have trouble hearing when you are sick with a cold or when you are experiencing allergies.

Hearing loss is either temporary or permanent. If you lose your hearing due to a cold or ear infection, your hearing should return when you recover. If you attend a loud concert, you will likely experience slight hearing loss or ringing in your ears for several hours or days at most.

Permanent hearing loss tends to occur as a result of chronic conditions and the natural aging process. A person might experience permanent hearing loss after years of chronic ear infections. People who have profession that involves loud noises such as construction might lose hearing if they do not take adequate precautions to protect their hearing.

Types

The type of hearing loss depends on the causes. Hearing loss will either be temporary or permanent. Examples of temporary hearing loss include hearing loss due to congestion or after a loud concert. Permanent hearing loss can occur as a result of the aging process.

Hearing loss may also be classified based on what part of the ear is affected. Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound cannot pass from the outer ear canal to the bones in the middle ear drum. This type of hearing loss is not necessarily permanent. Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when the inner ear becomes damaged. This type of hearing loss is permanent. Mixed hearing loss is a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. With unilateral hearing loss, hearing remains normal in one ear.

Symptoms & Warning Signs

You may not notice that you are losing your hearing. The biggest warning sign is when you begin to notice that you are losing your hearing and that you can no longer hear at a normal level. If your hearing loss persists for more than several days, the hearing loss might be permanent. If you experience frequent ear infections, you should see a doctor so that you do not sustain long term damage.

Causes & Risk Factors

Hearing loss results from a variety of causes. You may have a blockage in your ear due to a buildup of wax. A variety of conditions and infections can cause temporary hearing loss. Your hearing may be limited when you have tumors, an ear infection, nonfunctional Eustachian tubes, and holes in your ear drums. Hearing loss related to tumors, head injuries, nerve damage, and genetics can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss.

Prevention & Treatment

To prevent temporary and some forms of permanent hearing loss, you should keep your ears free of wax and water so that you do not develop blockages or infections. Undergo routine hearing tests to identify whether you are losing hearing.

If you have lost a substantial amount of hearing, you may need a hearing aid. There are several types of hearing aids available at affordable prices, and many insurance companies will actually cover the cost in full or in part.

There are a variety of factors to consider when choosing a hearing aid. The best hearing aids are not necessarily the same for everyone. You want to consider whether you need a hearing aid for one or both ears, your hearing aid price range, what time of hearing loss you experience, and what size hearing aid you are seeking. You should talk to a doctor and research a variety of manufacturers to determine which hearing aids are best for you.

• Beltone is a brand that has developed a wide variety of hearing aids. The company was established in Chicago and offers several options for patients who need hearing aids. Beltone has eight shell styles for people who are looking for a specific design. For example, patients can select from nearly-invisible "hidden hearing aids" and larger hearing aids that use the ear's architecture to optimize natural tones and frequencies.
• Starkey is another hearing aid brand. This company features hearings aids that accommodate different lifestyles. Starkey's products reflect the idea that all products should be customized to adapt to patients' specific hearing needs.
• ReSound features hearing aids that deliver digital and non-digital sound. ReSound features behind-the-ear hearing aids, remote microphone technology aids, and models that are custom-designed to fit in the ear.
• Songbird manufactures affordable hearing aids and periodically offers free trials. At a reduced cost, Songbird sells digital headphones that are disposable and replaceable after six months. Unlike most hearing aids, there are no batteries or fittings at a doctor's office. The company has adopted a "pay as you go" business model.

Tests & Diagnosis

Regular checkups are important to assess whether hearing loss has occurred. Your doctor will look at your ear drum to check for scarring and may advise you to take a hearing test. With a hearing test, you must sit in a room and identify whether you can hear certain tones at certain volumes. This test measures whether your hearing falls in a normal range. During a hearing test, a doctor might choose to perform a pressure test to check whether your Eustachian tubes are performing properly.